Panthers' Report: Newton, Hardy a go for start of practice Friday

FILE - In this June 17, 2014 file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton throws a pass during NFL football practice in Charlotte, N.C. Panthers coach Ron Rivera is expected to give an update on Newton's ankle on Thursday, July 24, 2014,one day before the team takes the field for the start of training camp. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)

CHARLOTTE —

Pro Bowlers Cam Newton and Greg Hardy will be ready to practice when the Carolina Panthers take the field for the start of training camp Friday night.

The same can’t be said of often-injured running back Jonathan Stewart.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said Thursday Newton has been cleared medically following ankle surgery on March 19 and is expected to participate in all drills — which comes as great news for coach Ron Rivera, who is returning from a European vacation.

“Cam will participate full go and we will monitor just to make sure,” Rivera said. “He will go through treatments to make sure, in terms of maintenance, but he is starting day one and will be on the field.”

Newton was not made available for interviews Thursday.

Rivera said Newton recently worked with some of Carolina’s receivers away from team facilities and came away feeling good about his surgically repaired ankle.

“I’m pretty excited about having him back on the field full time with those guys,” Rivera said.

Gettleman said Hardy, convicted on two counts of domestic violence last week, will not face any suspension from the Panthers at this time.

He said the team will follow the league’s stance and let the legal process play out.

“We constantly talk to our players about putting themselves in a position to succeed both on the field and even more importantly in life, so what has happened with Greg is very concerning and very disappointing,” Gettleman said in the team’s first public comments on Hardy since his conviction July 16.

“These are very serious allegations,” the GM said. “At the same time, we also respect the fact that Greg has appealed the decision and is entitled to a jury trial. We have been in touch with the league and we’re in the position that they have a personal conduct policy, which we are a part of. At the same time, we have to respect the legal process. That’s basically where we’re at.”

Hardy appealed the conviction last week after a judge sentenced him to a 60-day suspended jail sentence and 18 months probation for assault on a female and communicating threats.

His appeal will be heard by a jury trial, but a date has not been set and it could be several months — likely after the completion of the NFL season and would become a free agent — before the case is heard in court.

Hardy, who signed Carolina’s franchise tag tender for $13.1 million, is a key player on the league’s No. 2-ranked defense. He had a career-high 15 sacks last season and has 26 sacks over the past two seasons.

Gettleman said Hardy’s arrest in May did not play a role in the team’s decision not to offer him a long-term contract. However, Gettleman wouldn’t discuss Hardy’s long-term future with the team.

Hardy’s teammates said they don’t believe his off-the-field issues will be a distraction moving forward as the Panthers prepare to defend their NFC South title.

Stewart, who missed 17 games the past two seasons, pulled a hamstring recently in workouts and will miss 1-2 weeks.

Gettleman also said offensive guard Edmund Kugbila, a former fourth-round draft pick, will have back surgery and will miss the entire season. The Panthers had high hopes for Kugbila when they draft him but he’s not played a game for Carolina since coming into the league.

The Panthers went 12-4 last season but lost to San Francisco in the divisional playoffs.

“To get that far and to lose, especially at home, was a tough pill to swallow,” Olsen said. “It’s disappointing, but it’s over. ... We are trying to get to where we were.”

PANTHERS SIGN PAIR OF OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TO PROVIDE DEPTH

The Panthers have announced they have signed guard Fernando Velasco and center Kevin Matthews, giving Carolina some experienced depth on the offensive line heading into training camp.

Velasco has NFL experience, starting 11 games at center for Pittsburgh last season before suffering an Achilles injury. Velasco signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie and spent his first two season on the practice squad. He moved into a starting role in 2012, starting 13 games at center and three at guard.

Matthews is the son of Hall of Fame guard Bruce Matthews. Also an undrafted rookie, he played in 14 games in 2012 but was cut last year in training camp by Washington.

To make room on the roster Carolina waived center Jared Wheeler and linebacker Billy Boyko.